Tha Alkaholiks Return
J-Ro, Tash and E-Swift return for their fifth and final album, called Firewater. The Alkaholiks have created a unique sound and style (Sip-Hop) all their own. The group was first introduced on King Tee’s 1993 song, I got it bad. The Alkaholiks released the album 21 and Over on Loud records and followed it up with 4 more albums in 13 years. The Alkaholiks formed the Likwit crew which gave rise to the careers of Xzibit, Madlib (of the Lootpack), Defari and Phil da Agony (of the Barbershop MC’s).
For fans of the group wondering about the sound, Firewater is more like 2001’s X.O. Experience than 1999’s Likwidation. The production is primarily handled by E-Swift, with some solid production from J-Ro, Danger Mouse and Evidence.
Some of the standout cuts on the album include the lead single, The Flute Song (which is getting play on L.A. radio) , Drink with us and the Danger Mouse produced old school banger, Chaos. On Chaos, Tash and J-Ro do some playful borrowing from the Juice Crew’s song, The Symphony. There is even more Likwit nostalgia on the song Handle It, which uses the beat from Rodney O and Joe Cooley’s hit, Everlasting Bass. There are only a couple of songs I could have done without, like the club-ish (but bland), The Get Down.
Like most albums from the Liks the album is pretty lean on guest appearances, but the guests on there are great. Los Angeles MC’s Bishop Lamont (recently signed to Dr. Dre’s Aftermath) and Styliztik Jones make incredible introductions on Hangover. The Godfather of the Likwit Crew, King Tee shows up on, Over Here.
Sad to see one of the most original groups on the west coast break up, but if it yields a slew of nice solo projects, (like NWA did) I won’t mind too much. I say farewell to the Alkaholiks, good luck on your solo projects and bottoms up.
Ahmad T. Childress
